LĪHU’E – A Princeville man was sentenced on Thursday to one year in jail and five years’ probation for First Degree Negligent Injury, Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant, and Accidents Involving Substantial Bodily Injury.
The offenses arose on the afternoon of March 6, 2012, when the Defendant, 37-year-old Jonathan Swift, side-swiped a pedestrian near the Hale Moi condominium in Princeville. After striking the pedestrian, Swift failed to stop his van and render aid. Multiple witnesses reported Swift’s erratic driving and upon seeing the incident, one of the witnesses followed Swift the short distance to his residence and convinced him to return to the scene.
Patrol officers responded shortly thereafter and began their investigation, which included conducting an Intoxilyzer breath test on the Defendant. Results showed that Swift had a .10 blood alcohol content (BAC), .02 BAC above the legal limit.
The victim, an Arizona man, suffered a fractured clavicle, a fractured rib, and a detached retina after being struck by the van’s side mirror.
Prosecution of the case was handled by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Melinda K. Mendes, and the Defendant was represented by Private Attorney June Ikemoto. The investigation was conducted by the Patrol Services Bureau of the Kaua‘i Police Department.
Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar stated: “Drunk driving is a violent crime, and causes immeasurable pain and suffering in our community. We thank the witnesses and investigators that helped us reach a successful resolution in this case.”
This should serve a lesson for those who drink and drive, well there is nothing wrong with drinking you just have to make sure that you will not drive just in case you get drunk.
It is up to local authorities to walk a fine line between Colorado law and Federal law. It appears that Sheriff Smith has a better handle on this then Chief Hecker. Do not confiscate marijuana in an individuals possession unless it violates the law (more than 1 ounce) or is directly connected to the the case (drug DUI).
https://www.rosslawcenter.com
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